Sam Altman’s ambitious blockchain initiative, World, has officially launched in the United States, introducing a network of eye-scanning orbs designed to authenticate users. The project aims to deploy 7,500 of these innovative devices in six major cities by the end of the year, marking a significant step in the intersection of cryptocurrency and biometric technology.
Key Takeaways
- Launch Cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
- User Incentives: Access to the World app and airdrop of WLD tokens for users who engage with the orbs.
- Future Expansion: Plans for additional cities including Seattle, Orlando, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
- New Features: Integration of crypto-backed loans and identity verification in dating apps.
Overview of the Eye-Scanning Orbs
The eye-scanning orbs are chrome, bowling ball-shaped devices that utilize biometric technology to confirm a user’s identity. By gazing into the orb, users can gain access to the World app, which offers various cryptocurrency services, including airdrops of the World’s WLD token. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a secure and user-friendly environment for cryptocurrency transactions.
Expansion Plans
World plans to roll out its orbs in six key innovation hubs:
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- Nashville
- San Francisco
The company aims to have enough orbs to reach 180 million Americans, which is over half the U.S. population, by the end of the year. Following the initial launch, additional cities such as Seattle, Orlando, San Diego, and Las Vegas are set to receive the orbs in subsequent phases.
New Features and Partnerships
During the launch event, Altman and his team unveiled several new features for the World app:
- Crypto-Backed Loans: Users will have access to loans through the non-custodial lending protocol Morpho.
- Prediction Markets: Integration with Kalshi to allow users to engage in prediction markets.
- Visa Debit Card: WLD token holders will soon be able to spend their tokens like cash using a World-linked Visa debit card.
- Dating App Integration: The identity-verification technology will be piloted in online dating apps, starting with Tinder in Japan, to verify user ages.
Vision Behind the Project
Altman emphasized that the concept for World predates his work with OpenAI. He expressed the need for a reliable method of human authentication in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. The orbs are designed to ensure that human contributions remain central in a world filled with AI-generated content.
Manufacturing and Future Outlook
To support the U.S. expansion, World will establish a factory in Richardson, Texas, to produce the necessary orbs. The company envisions a future where these devices are ubiquitous, stating they will be available in various locations, including gas stations and convenience stores, allowing for quick verification within minutes.
As the regulatory environment in the U.S. becomes more favorable for cryptocurrency projects, World’s launch represents a significant milestone in the integration of blockchain technology with everyday life. With its innovative approach and ambitious plans, World aims to redefine how individuals interact with digital currencies and identity verification in the coming years.
